From now on I will never tell them I'm on the dining plan again....

[Euphoria027]

It was plain to see that she was treating the people not on the dining plan differently then us and another table who were on the plan. I took notice of this. It absolutely, in this case, was because we were on the dining plan.

Well, considering that you came online and made a thread complaining about the injustice of your service, maybe she got a bad vibe from you from the get-go?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

A few years ago when my family and I were having lunch at 50's Prime Time Cafe I thought our food came out very fast. Now we have never purchased the Disney Dining Plan before, so when they asked us if we had it obviously we said no. Although maybe the food came out fast because it was an early lunch ADR and they weren't that busy so the kitchen wasn't backed up with a lot of orders.

 

[aubriee]

If I remember rightly, the Unofficial Guide recommends that anyone visiting WDW use that technique to slow things down, not just those on the dining plan. Their argument is that Disney wants to move everyone through as fast as they can, and if you want to slow things down then refusing to order your appetizers until you've got your drinks, or your main course until you have your appetizers is the way to go.

I have wondered if being on the Dining Plan may up your odds of poor service because you can make your reservations ten days before those who aren't staying at WDW -- meaning it's easier to get reservations at the most popular times. If those times are when the restaurants are busiest, or when they're most likely to have overbooked, then that's going to have some negative fallout.

As long as you are staying at a WDW resort you can take advantage of the 180+10, being on the DDP doesn't matter. I know for my Sept/Oct trip I don't have the DDP but still made all my ADRs at 0600ET 180 days out. I got all the times and restaurants I wanted (including Le Cellier twice--will probably only keep one though depending on if go over to Universal once or twice).

Since alot of my trips are solo, I'm the opposite of the OP. I have no problem telling the waiter I want an appetizer if I want one and I'd really prefer to order my dessert early, so I can get out of there. What irritates me is finishing my entree and then having to look for a waiter in order to order the dessert. This past Dec I was on the DxDDP at Le Cellier and had the worst waitress. She aparently forgot my appetizer, because they brought the appetizer out with the filet. I asked to have the steak taken back and assumed they'd just give the filet to someone else since I hadn't touched it and told them to take it back before it ever touched my table. They didn't. Apparently they put it under a heat lamp turning my nice med rare filet into a tough well done one. Between the tough steak and salty risotto I couldn't eat more than a couple of bites of either. Then even though I had pushed my plate over to the other side of the table, I still couldn't find my waitress for what seemed like forever. After twiddling my thumbs for a very long time, she finally showed up with my check. Excuse me, I didn't eat my entree and I wanted dessert. She didn't even bother to ask why I didn't eat my entree, her only comment was, "Oh. you want dessert too. Well, I'll have to change the check".

For our May trip we are on the basic DDP. I have Flying Fish booked and have every intention of ordering appetizers. I'll just let the waiter know when he comes for our order. Sorry, but I don't see the big deal. As far as Coral Reef, we've always felt rushed there even if we weren't on the DDP. DDP or not we've also always felt like they were trying to rush us at 'Ohana, and the old Spoodles and Alfredos. I've also felt rushed at California Grill on more than one occasion. It never seemed to matter if we were on the DDP or not. Some waiters and some restaurants are just that way.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have wondered if being on the Dining Plan may up your odds of poor service because you can make your reservations ten days before those who aren't staying at WDW

That has nothing to do with the dining plan, as not everyone staying onsite has the dining plan. Many onsite guests do not elect to use the plan and still eat at Disney TS. Although having the dining plan is a sure indicator that the guest is staying onsite.

There's a bit of bickering and discussion of tips on this thread - if it becomes a thread about tipping it will have to be closed. See the Tipping Information sticky thread on the main board for guidelines about tipping discussion on the Restaurant board. One poster requested discussion of how servers feel about tipping on the dining plan, which is about personal tipping habits and outside the board guidelines.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Sorry that you didn't have a good experience. Luckily, I've never had bad service as a result of being on the dining plan. We've also had consistently wonderful service at Whispering Canyon Cafe (w/ the DDP, w/o the DDP, & w/ TIW).

 

[imthatgirl]

Did you go during free dining? I wonder if that had an impact on it. I would like to know the servers feelings about people tipping on the dining plan.

Thats great that you are a server..I think everyone who eats at restaurants needs to work in a restaurant..Some people just dont get it!! Im kind of weird...I expect friendliness but if I don't get great service I seem to have more excuses for them..I do get mad if I dont have a refill right away though!!

Refills are a big thing with me too. Of course since she never came back to the table(our food was brought by other people, which is not unusual)we never got any.

No we weren't there during free dining.

 

[imthatgirl]

Well, considering that you came online and made a thread complaining about the injustice of your service, maybe she got a bad vibe from you from the get-go?

Yes she had a crystal ball and told me of her clairvoyance

but you're right ,that's exactly how customer service works, if you decide you don't like someone at first glance you can totally forgo service to them. That's completely acceptable

 

[Stinky_Pete]

...if you decide you don't like someone at first glance you can totally forgo service to them. That's completely acceptable

how did we get from asking you to order your dessert in the beginning of your meal to "totally forgo service to them"? I think the pp might be on to something considering your tone throughout this entire thread.

 

[imthatgirl]

how did we get from asking you to order your dessert in the beginning of your meal to "totally forgo service to them"? I think the pp might be on to something considering your tone throughout this entire thread.

She did completely forgo our service. she skipped all steps of service. All she did was come over ask us what we wanted and then told us ordering dessert now would be best. Then she left and we never saw her again until she brought the bill. I watched her go over meals, appetizers, even drinks with her other tables. She asked no one else to order dessert first other then the table to our right. Who also never got a refill or any service from her.
If you don't think that's forgoing service then I have to wonder what do you consider forgoing service?
Of course I am disappointed with my lack of service there.Who would be happy with that

 

[catne]

OP, my only suggestion regarding whether to tell them you're on the dining plan is to be sure and allow about 15 extra minutes to get your bill straight, just in case.

We frequently have adult kids traveling with us, staying in a separate room. If we forget to mention that our party of 3 or 4 is in two separate rooms the bill comes & all the meals are on one check. I would say most of the servers we have that's no problem re-ringing the check to get the right meals charged to the correct rooms' dining plan -may take an extra minute or two. But about every 3rd time we get a server who apparently has not a clue how to do this...has to get a manager, has to get a resolution from the Board of Directors, etc. We've had to wait as long as 25 minutes for resolution on a check. Needless to say, we try very hard to remember to tell them which people are on which checks!

 

[imthatgirl]

OP, my only suggestion regarding whether to tell them you're on the dining plan is to be sure and allow about 15 extra minutes to get your bill straight, just in case.

We frequently have adult kids traveling with us, staying in a separate room. If we forget to mention that our party of 3 or 4 is in two separate rooms the bill comes & all the meals are on one check. I would say most of the servers we have that's no problem re-ringing the check to get the right meals charged to the correct rooms' dining plan -may take an extra minute or two. But about every 3rd time we get a server who apparently has not a clue how to do this...has to get a manager, has to get a resolution from the Board of Directors, etc. We've had to wait as long as 25 minutes for resolution on a check. Needless to say, we try very hard to remember to tell them which people are on which checks!

We're never in hurry, so to sit and sip a drink and wait would not be a problem with us.
I assume turn over there is high so I would bet there would be servers that didn't know how to take care of that quickly. It happens.
I have to wonder though why they would even need to rering it in the first place. Taking payment doesn't really have anything to do with the ordering of the food. I see where needing two bills would be an extra step, but a simple form of payment. KWIM? Plus ringing in an order takes all of maybe 30 seconds so even so I can't see why that would be a big deal.
25 minutes for a check resolution where a manager is involved is plain crazy.

 

[catne]

We're never in hurry, so to sit and sip a drink and wait would not be a problem with us.
I assume turn over there is high so I would bet there would be servers that didn't know how to take care of that quickly. It happens.
I have to wonder though why they would even need to rering it in the first place. Taking payment doesn't really have anything to do with the ordering of the food. I see where needing two bills would be an extra step, but a simple form of payment. KWIM? Plus ringing in an order takes all of maybe 30 seconds so even so I can't see why that would be a big deal.
25 minutes for a check resolution where a manager is involved is plain crazy.

Well Disney is not known for ultra-efficient computing systems, lol so I guess that might be part of the problem with how they have to cancel old ticket & re-enter. I agree it shouldn't take long, and for some it doesn't. The 25 minute correction was at Via Napoli...our waiter was very good at everything else, but the technology seemed to be way beyond him. Don't know what was going on with the manager...a "heated" discussion in Italian went on through the whole process. What was irritating there was that we were trying to time our meal to catch the last boat across the lagoon to avoid having to walk (bad knees.) Instead of having time to visit the shops around there and have a leisurely stroll over to the boat dock, we had to almost run to catch the boat. The other place it took a long time to fix...like 20 minutes...was at Hollywood & Vine breakfast..again, had to happen at the worst time. The whole point of having the early ADR at H & V was to get good rope-drop position. Instead, we got out of the restaurant about 2 minutes before rope-drop & of course hundreds of people ahead of us. We have had better position just getting to the park 30 minutes before opening.

 

[basketkat]

No, that sounds terrible! And your server at Coral Reef could've just been a rotten server regardless of the dining plan. I don't see why they'd treat you differently since you still have to pay tip out of pocket...

Yeah I agree...we've never felt like we were treated any differently.

 

[imthatgirl]

Well Disney is not known for ultra-efficient computing systems, lol so I guess that might be part of the problem with how they have to cancel old ticket & re-enter. I agree it shouldn't take long, and for some it doesn't. The 25 minute correction was at Via Napoli...our waiter was very good at everything else, but the technology seemed to be way beyond him. Don't know what was going on with the manager...a "heated" discussion in Italian went on through the whole process. What was irritating there was that we were trying to time our meal to catch the last boat across the lagoon to avoid having to walk (bad knees.) Instead of having time to visit the shops around there and have a leisurely stroll over to the boat dock, we had to almost run to catch the boat. The other place it took a long time to fix...like 20 minutes...was at Hollywood & Vine breakfast..again, had to happen at the worst time. The whole point of having the early ADR at H & V was to get good rope-drop position. Instead, we got out of the restaurant about 2 minutes before rope-drop & of course hundreds of people ahead of us. We have had better position just getting to the park 30 minutes before opening.

Wow that really stinks. I would have been upset too. Especially when you are timing things like that.

 

[Euphoria027]

Yes she had a crystal ball and told me of her clairvoyance

but you're right ,that's exactly how customer service works, if you decide you don't like someone at first glance you can totally forgo service to them. That's completely acceptable

It may not be acceptable to you, but servers are people too. The second someone gives them a hard time, they know their chance of a tip is probably out the window and they're not going to go out of their way at all.

It's one thing to come onto this forum and give a negative review but your tone has been argumentative with everyone on this thread. Your server, who works directly with people and is probably quite astute at sizing up personalities, probably picked up on your negativity and focused his/her efforts on other tables.

 

[imthatgirl]

It may not be acceptable to you, but servers are people too. The second someone gives them a hard time, they know their chance of a tip is probably out the window and they're not going to go out of their way at all.

It's one thing to come onto this forum and give a negative review but your tone has been argumentative with everyone on this thread. Your server, who works directly with people and is probably quite astute at sizing up personalities, probably picked up on your negativity and focused his/her efforts on other tables.

I'm assuming you didn't actually read the whole thread, because if you did you know that 1. I am a server and 2. that she not only ignored us but the party next to us who also was on the plan.
Maybe you would not have said anything to a server who had no interest in you from the start, but I will, every time. I find the stereotyping unacceptable. You don't. Thats fine, we don't have to agree.

 

[summerlady]

I'm sorry this happened to you....I've never had a problem when using the dining plan, and I always tell them.

Same here. We've used the dining plan and not used it, same experience either way. I always tell upfront when we're using dining credits. Maybe we're lucky but we've never had a "bad" server, a couple of times a distracted person, but never horrible.

 

[mom2of2]

Wow! I went back and forth on whether I should offer some insight on this thread or not. Im replying so I guess Im in.

As servers we do ask if you are on the dining plan because as it was mentioned upthread we have to explain what is included and what isn't. If you are on the DDP and still want an app then order it. I'm not going to ask you then inform you that it isn't included because then it does look like Im trying to jack the bill up. I say what's included and that's it
It is very helpful to us if you tell us at the beginning if you need seperate checks and who goes with who. What might seem uncomplicated to you is not so easy for us sometimes. It might involve voids,rerings and managerial approval. Letting us know from the beginning is a huge help.
As for TIW cards...letting us know saves time as well since we have to get approval for the discount. Think about this.....there are upwards of 11 or more servers on the floor. Generally 1 or 2 people who can authorize discounts...4 or 5 computers. On a busy shift getting a discount in a timely manner can be a challenge.

I personally don't care if you are on the dining plan, TIW or the cash plan. I treat everyone the same way because my tip isn't guaranteed....you can always have a manager remove a tip if you feel it wasn't deserved.

We are servers not servants and we work very hard to make your dining a pleasant experience. Help us to make it so. When we approach your table allow us to greet you and explain what we need to then please tell us what we need to know. Dining plan, allergy, celebration, etc. Holding out because you think you will get better service means that you already are going to be looking for a reason to hold it against us.
Please come into our restaurants expecting a pleasant meal with a pleasant attitude and that's what you will get. A pleasant service with a good attitude.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

Here is my input...I know you are all waiting...

Whenever I dine out at a table service restaurant (in or out of Disney), I most certainly EXPECT to be asked if I would like to order an appetizer (regardless of what type of plan I happen to be on), entree and at (what I feel) the appropriate time...AFTER my meal...dessert.

That is just MHO. I simply will not and do not tolerate bad service...inattentiveness or rude behavior (including comments). I am not rude or obnoxious or even overly demanding...I want to ENJOY my meal.

Needless to say, I am aware when a server is new and DO display tolerance and manners on my end.

If there is an issue that is affecting the enjoyment of my meal, I will certainly speak with management (and have). The issue is usually resolved to my satisfaction and I do not hold grudges...my DD9 however, holds grudges and remembers people AND names...future husband beware!!!!

I agree with this statement! I expect good service, too. I know it's a theme park, but I have worked as a server. Any meal that requires a tip should come with good service.

Truthfully, the way Disney has set up the Dining Plan, it is difficult for servers to give good service. It's tacky for anyone to ask how a family is paying for their meal before they have even ordered it. I have always found that distasteful. Perhaps it is a necessary evil to help people use their dining plans correctly, but I know exactly how the system works, and I would prefer privacy until it is time to pay. Heck, sometimes I do not even know how I want to pay for my meal until near the end. Sometimes I choose to pay out of pocket, based on what I have ordered, and save my meal credits for another experience when I order something more expensive.

Often, I will tell the server that I am on the dining plan, but that I have not made a decision as to whether or not I am going to use it.

Typically, they will crouch down next to my table and ask to see my card. Even when I tell them that it is the deluxe dining plan, they want to see my card and verify for me. I guess some people make mistakes and give the wrong information and then become upset when their appetizers are not included. Then, the servers want to educate me about what is and is not included in the meal plan. But for me, it is redundant to do that at every meal.

I have come to accept it, and I do not blame the servers at all. I would prefer that payment not be an issue until after the meal, though.

With the servers giving me a little mini-lesson before every meal, it makes me feel as though I am on a budget. That's not the feeling I want to have on a vacation.

I would rather order whatever I want, and then, use the dining plan for whatever is appropriate and pay out of pocket for anything not included. And of course I can do that, but it still feels a little icky for the server to clarify everything up front, before I have even ordered. I am sure it is because some people become upset when something is not included, and they did not know. I wish I had a polite way of telling the server that I understand the dining plan and would prefer to skip the lesson. I would promise not to complain about my bill, if we could just avoid talking about it until after the meal. But as it is, I just endure the mini-lesson time after time. And it does take away from the magical experience, but not enough for me to give up the dining plan just yet.

 

[imthatgirl]

I agree with this statement! I expect good service, too. I know it's a theme park, but I have worked as a server. Any meal that requires a tip should come with good service.

Truthfully, the way Disney has set up the Dining Plan, it is difficult for servers to give good service. It's tacky for anyone to ask how a family is paying for their meal before they have even ordered it. I have always found that distasteful. Perhaps it is a necessary evil to help people use their dining plans correctly, but I know exactly how the system works, and I would prefer privacy until it is time to pay. Heck, sometimes I do not even know how I want to pay for my meal until near the end. Sometimes I choose to pay out of pocket, based on what I have ordered, and save my meal credits for another experience when I order something more expensive.

Often, I will tell the server that I am on the dining plan, but that I have not made a decision as to whether or not I am going to use it.

Typically, they will crouch down next to my table and ask to see my card. Even when I tell them that it is the deluxe dining plan, they want to see my card and verify for me. I guess some people make mistakes and give the wrong information and then become upset when their appetizers are not included. Then, the servers want to educate me about what is and is not included in the meal plan. But for me, it is redundant to do that at every meal.

I have come to accept it, and I do not blame the servers at all. I would prefer that payment not be an issue until after the meal, though.

With the servers giving me a little mini-lesson before every meal, it makes me feel as though I am on a budget. That's not the feeling I want to have on a vacation.

I would rather order whatever I want, and then, use the dining plan for whatever is appropriate and pay out of pocket for anything not included. And of course I can do that, but it still feels a little icky for the server to clarify everything up front, before I have even ordered. I am sure it is because some people become upset when something is not included, and they did not know. I wish I had a polite way of telling the server that I understand the dining plan and would prefer to skip the lesson. I would promise not to complain about my bill, if we could just avoid talking about it until after the meal. But as it is, I just endure the mini-lesson time after time. And it does take away from the magical experience, but not enough for me to give up the dining plan just yet.

I have actually not experienced this mini lesson. Usually they just ask and that it. I have not found that they really explain it to me, but like you I completely understand the plan.

I do feel exactly the way you do.